What Is Chinese Watermelon?

(Plants) a variety of muskmelon, Cucumis melo inodorus, that has sweet fruit with pale orange flesh and an unridged rind. Also called: Persian melon.

What is another name of watermelon in Chinese?

西瓜 (xīguā) (个(個), gè)

Why is watermelon West melon in Chinese?

In Chinese, watermelons are known as “西瓜” (xi gua: literally means “western melons”), since they grew in China’s ancient Western Regions. Pumpkins, in Chinese is “南瓜” (nan guang: literally means “south melon”).

Why is watermelon popular in China?

According to the website Asia One, the rounded shape of a watermelon “is considered lucky in feng shui,” and, with its many seeds, the watermelon symbolizes abundance and prosperity.

What does watermelon represent in Chinese culture?

The watermelon’s round shape is considered lucky in feng shui. While the fruit itself represents prosperity, the watermelon’s many, many seeds represent abundance. Meanwhile, it’s red, sweet flesh is also a symbol of luck.

What is Chinese bitter melon?

The Chinese bitter melon, also known as balsam pear and bitter cucumber, is a gourd that is similar in shape to a cucumber and grown in tropical climates. It is common in Asian and Indian cooking and as its name suggests, it has a bitter taste.

Where do the best watermelons come from?

Florida has historically been the top producer of watermelons and accounted for 19 percent of the 3.9 billion pounds of U.S. watermelon production in 2012.

Why is watermelon called Xigua?

Watermelons are first recorded in China in the 10th century. The Chinese name is xigua, “western fruit,” reflecting the idea that it is not native.

Is watermelon popular in China?

With a planting area of over 30 million mu (about 2 million hectares) and an annual output value of more than 2 trillion yuan (about $290.8 billion), China tops the world in both watermelon production and consumption, Worker’s Daily reported Wednesday.

When did watermelon come to China?

Watermelon was being cultivated in India by the 7th century, and by the 10th century it had found its way to China.

What is the most expensive watermelon?

A black jumbo watermelon auctioned in northern Japan fetched a record 650,000 yen (US$6,100) Friday, making it the most expensive watermelon ever sold in the country — and possibly the world.

Does knocking on a watermelon work?

Using your knuckles, rap on the middle of the watermelon while holding it up to your ear, or flick it with your finger. A ripe watermelon will have a hollow sound when knocked. An unripe watermelon will have more of a higher-pitched sound, while an overripe one will make a “thud” or a lower-pitched sound.

What are black watermelons?

Black Diamond is a classic oblong watermelon with a black-green rind covering bright red, crisp, flavorful flesh. In the 1950s, Black Diamond was a very popular home garden variety. Fruits have gray-black seeds (perfect for seed spitting contests) and can grow quite large.

What does eating watermelon mean in slang?

Watermelon, and melon in general, is used in a vulgar way when referencing a woman’s breasts.

What is the luckiest fruit?

Oranges and Other Citrus
Oranges, kumquats, tangerines and pomelos are common Chinese New Year gifts because they’re believed to bring good luck and happiness. The Chinese words for “orange” and “tangerine” closely resemble the words for “luck” and “wealth.” The gold color of these fruits also symbolizes prosperity.

Which fruit should not be given at Chinese New Year as it resembles goodbye?

Pears
Pears — Parting
Giving fruit is a good thing, but pears are taboo. The Chinese word for ‘pears’ (梨 lí /lee/) sounds the same as the word for leaving or ‘parting’ (离 lí) and it is considered bad luck.

Is bitter melon toxic?

The red arils that cover the seeds of bitter melon are also poisonous to humans. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center says you should keep all parts of the bitter melon plant away from children, who are at a greater risk of a toxic reaction.

How do you eat Chinese bitter melon?

Cut the bitter melon in half length-wise. Remove the seeds and fibrous core using a teaspoon or a paring knife. The seeds and core are edible and can be cooked along with the bitter melon pieces if desired. Slice the bitter melon halves width-wise into 2-inch thick pieces.

What does Chinese bitter melon taste like?

Bitter melon has a crunchy husk, like a green pepper, and a watery texture, like a cucumber. But it’s weedy, alkaline taste is unlike any other like fruit or vegetable.

What is the best tasting watermelon in the world?

10 Great Watermelon Varieties

1. Bradford Family. This watermelon is a true heirloom treasure.
2. Sugar Baby. The quintessential icebox melon.
3. Jubilee Bush.
4. Georgia Rattlesnake.
5. Odell’s White.
6. Charleston Grey.
7. Mountain Sweet Yellow.
8. Moon and Stars.

Which is the sweetest watermelon in the world?

Cave City melons are not only Arkansas famous, but world famous as the town sign reads “home of the world’s sweetest watermelon.” Locals from the town of 2,000 will tell you the secret is in the soil, not just in the seeds!